Training camps have opened and while we wait to see how things shake out in terms of IDP usage, I thought it would be a good idea for us to become acquainted with the rookies poised to make a splash in 2014. This week, we will take a look at six linebackers that are poised to make a difference this season.
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C.J. Mosley ILB BAL
Perhaps we remember that the stud linebacker the Ravens drafted last season to replace Ray Lewis, namely Arthur Brown, turned out to be a major bust. There is again the potential that the Ravens will be disappointed in their top defensive draft choice, as Mosley has had trouble staying healthy while he was roaming the field for Alabama, having suffered through hip and elbow dislocations, a torn labrum in his right shoulder, not to mention some concerns that arose about his knee during his Pro Day this spring. That being noted, all the MRI tests came back negative, and the Ravens were apparently satisfied with his condition. Assuming he can stay on the field, he projects as a three down LB, Remember that he was a defensive captain for the Crimson Tide, and led the team in tackles during his final two years in Alabama. He is a complete player who will rack up the tackles, while also being well suited to provide pass coverage, too. He would be a fine LB2 to target, assuming he can beat out the aforementioned Brown to win the starting role opposite Daryl Smith.
Projected stats for 2014: 90 total tackles (60 solo), 2 sacks, 1 interception, 4 passes defensed
Ryan Shazier OLB PIT
Rookies do not generally start the season opener for the Steeler's Defensive Coordinator Dick LeBeau but Shazier has a shot to do so, having taken first team reps during the Pittsburgh OTAs. He led the Big Ten in tackles in 2013 while playing for the Buckeyes, and demonstrates a superb set of skills, as he can both rush the QB and cover receivers effectively. He also is a strong run support linebacker, as evidenced by his tackle numbers in college. Described as speedy and athletic, he also has exceptional reactions to the ball. If he breaks the trend and is a starter to open the season, he is another LB2 to target, and should rank as a top 20 linebacker with a potential to be much more as he adjusts to the pro game.
Projected stats for 2014: 115 total tackles (80 solo), 2 sacks, 1 interception, 5 passes defensed
Jadeveon Clowney OLB HOU
The number one pick by the Texans, Clowney steps into a great situation, playing opposite J.J. Watt on the Houston defensive line. This will help insure him some freedom to pursue the QB, as he did in South Carolina where he racked up 24 sacks over three years. His status as an outside linebacker will cut into his tackle production, but at 6'6" and 266 pounds, he will pose a problem to QBs trying to throw over or around him and his outstretched arms. He is fast, powerful and extraordinarily athletic. He will have a learning curve to overcome as he develops his pass rush skills against NFL linesmen, but then again, he could be one of the top ten defensive players as early as this season.
Projected stats for 2014: 60 total tackles (45 solo), 6 sacks, 2 passes defensed
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Khalil Mack OLB OAK
The Raiders drafted Mack with the fifth overall pick, taking the former Buffalo standout for his pass rushing skills. While playing in the MAC, he put up 10.5 sacks, three interceptions, and two touchdowns, together with 19 tackles for a loss as a senior. He has some very good teammates that will form a formidable front seven, namely Justin Tuck, LaMarr Woodley, and Sio Moore. He will be an immediate three down starter for Oakland, and despite playing on the outside, he should rack up plenty of tackles as well as double digit sacks, if all goes well.
Projected stats for 2014: 80 tackles (60 solo), 9 sacks, 1 interception, 2 passes defended
Telvin Smith OLB JAX
Smith will need to beat out Geno Hayes to realize his potential and grab a full time starting LB job, but the speedy rookie has the pedigree to pull that off. He fell to the fifth round, after testing positive at the Combine, when he was originally projected as a third round pick. By falling, he becomes an excellent value pick for the Jaguars, and will not be highly ranked by most fantasy players, at least until he shows his mettle in camp and the preseason. If all works out for him, he could rack up more tackles than any other rookie LB, but even falling short of that, he will be an excellent late pick as a LB3.
Projected stats for 2014: 60 tackles (40 solo), 1 sack, 1 interception, 3 passes defensed
Christian Kirksey ILB CLE
Kirksey should become an everydown starter from Game One, assuming he can beat out Craig Robertson. At 6'2" and 233 pounds, he is slightly undersized for his position, although his speed will assist him, especially in coverage situations. He is not much of a blitz threat, being more of a run and chase player. Keep an eye on the news coming out of the Browns' training camp to see just how much playing time the rookie will receive to start the season. Even if he isn't able to wrest the starting position away from Robertson, he will see time as a starter sometime during the season, perhaps after the bye week when the defensive coaching staff realizes that who they have starting isn't cutting the nut.
Projected stats for 2014: 75 total tackles (50 solo), 1 sack, 3 passes defensed
Next week, we look at defensive linesmen. If you have a player you want me to discuss, drop me a line.
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As ever, good luck and Godspeed in your fantasy efforts. Make sure to read all of our great articles to help you win your fantasy match ups every week and ultimately bask in championship glory. If you have any fantasy football questions, especially about IDP leagues, I can be reached at ia@fantasyalarm.com.
Player News
Vikings head coach Kevin O’Connell said the team does not “have any feelings on competition” when asked about the quarterback room.
O’Connell was asked about a potential quarterback competition on the Rich Eisen Show Wednesday and was unclear on whether J.J. McCarthy would have to compete to start. He said, “we’ve got an obligation as coaches to put our players in position to attack that competition phase.” O’Connell discussed first putting Brett Rypien and the newly acquired Sam Howell in a position to play before any competition would occur. He continued that McCarthy is “owning it” this offseason and is taking snaps from starting center Ryan Kelly. After missing last season with a torn meniscus, McCarthy has been ramping up workouts in the offseason and is the front-runner to start for the Vikings in 2025. As of now, Howell looks to be reinforcement at the backup spot in case it turns out McCarthy is not ready to start.
Texans re-signed DT Foley Fatukasi.
Fatukasi initially joined the Texans last offseason on a one-year contract. The 30-year-old was a rotational defensive lineman, tallying four tackles for loss and one sack. He returns to Houston for 2025, where he will be a part of a deep Texans front seven.
NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero reports Tyreek Hill’s second wrist surgery was part of the original plan and his timeline remains unchanged.
Hill announced the second surgery on social media and Pelissero quickly added some context to the situation. The speedy receiver suffered the wrist injury just before the start of the season and it lingered throughout the year, though he never missed a game because of it. If the second surgery truly is a non-story, an offseason to recover might be what Hill needs to return to form after a down 2024 season. On the other hand, Hill is 31 years old, played his worst football last year, and his offense prioritized targets for Jonnu Smith and De’Von Achane. As it stands, Hill might have the highest risk-reward split in fantasy drafts.
ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler reports there are “multiple people in the league who believe the new regime is not so high on Travis Etienne.”
Fowler also noted Tank Bigsby’s fumbling issue but didn’t directly relate that to the feelings of the new brain trust in Jacksonville. The Jags clearly felt they were lacking at running back this offseason and addressed that opening via the draft with Bhayshul Tuten in the fourth round and LeQuint Allen in the seventh. The pair of additions complicate an already-messy backfield by committee. Etienne is entering the final year of his rookie deal and is a long-shot to be brought back in 2026. The Jags could opt to move on early by trading him, clearing $6.1 million in cap space in the process. If the team does trade Etienne, Tuten would likely be the team’s top back in the long run, making him a high-upside bet in early fantasy drafts.
Broncos signed third-round pick WR Pat Bryant to a four-year contract.
The deal includes $1.4 million guaranteed and is worth $6.6 million in total. Sean Payton compared aspects of Bryant’s game to those of Michael Thomas in his post-draft press conference and there are at least a few similarities in their profiles. Bryant stands at 6'2/204 and ran a 4.61-second Forty at the combine. Thomas measured in at 6'3/212 and clocked a 4.57-second Forty. Though the two have similar physical characteristics, Thomas was known for his proficiency from the slot while Bryant primarily played on the outside as a field-stretcher at Illinois. Bryant’s transition to slot duties may take some time, but third-round draft capital makes him worth a shot in dynasty leagues.
Colts EDGE Samson Ebukam (Achilles) said he is expected to be cleared for training camp.
Ebukam suffered a torn Achilles in training camp last year and did not play in the 2024 season. He broke out in 2023 with a career-high 9.5 sacks in his first season with the Colts. He now has one year left on his deal and will be looking for a rebound season as he stares down free agency in 2026